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London Octo.13th.1744.
Esteem'd Sir,
I am fav'd with yours of the 6th Inst and am Ashamed I have not before this return'd you my thanks for your Civilities to me when in Cheshire --- had it not been you were prevented by Comp'y, I should have been glad to have given you my Candid Sentiments with regard to yo'r Grandsons inclinations to my Business, tho' as he had at that time not recover'd his illness, I could not have been so well able to do it as Since his recovery, --- My opinion is that he imagines in our Business there is something too mean for what he wd. Aspire unto; for as his thoughts as altogether Bent to Commence Merch't. I fear he will not take the pains in my Business which it required to Attain the Usefull part of Knowledge in Buying as well as Selling, and since his Illness the Doctor recommends his Writing to be as little as possible least it shd be instrumentall in bringing A return of his disorder, and without Writing I am perswaded neither mine or any others Trade can be --- so Instructive as with it. --- Its too Generall A Case that young Gentlemen who are sensible they have Fortunes provided for them are not always the Aptest to take pains to know how they shall improve it (tho I hope thats not the Case with Mr. Downes). It will be a Great pleasure to me to have him Quite Capable of Business, & as to his Behaviour both to me and my family tis Altogether Agreeable --- & I believe the Horse he is to pay the Keep. off and since you remitted me the £30 --- His Apothecarys Bill with what money he had to pay his Lodgings in the Country makes still a Ballance in my Favour of £19. 6. 0. And as I gave him money Occasionally as he wanted I really can give you no particular acco't. how it was disposed off but I believe properly --- He is very well at pres't. and if he Continues so this Winter I hope he will be reinstated --- Please to make My best Compliments Acceptable to the Ladies Concludes me, with Great Esteem
Sir/ Yo'r Mo Ob't Serv't/ John Craven |